THE PRESIDENT: Welcome to the White
House. Laura and I are so glad you came this year,
especially given what happened last year: it rained. But
today we have beautiful weather, and we hope you have a great time here
at the traditional Easter Egg Roll.

I want to thank all the members of my Cabinet and their family
members who are here. I want to thank the children's book
authors who are here. And we hope you listen to those who read books
to you. We want to encourage you to read a
lot. As a matter of fact, we think it's important that you
read more than you watch TV. (Applause.)

I want to thank the entertainers who are here. Of
course, I want to thank the Easter Bunny. (Laughter.) We want to thank all the
embassies that are highlighting their spring traditions. I
want to thank the volunteers who have worked so hard to make this a
successful Easter Egg Roll.

You know, one of the things that children say to me all the time,
they say, I want to come see your home, Mr. President. I
said, this isn't our home; this is your home, and you're welcome to the
yard of your home. We're so glad you're here. (Applause.)

Do you know that since 1878, Presidents have hosted this
event. And it is our honor to continue this
tradition. The first President who did so was a guy named
Rutherford B. Hayes. He decided to have the Easter Egg Roll
here at the White House because the members of the United States
Congress said you couldn't be -- they wouldn't
want to host the Easter Egg Roll anymore on the congressional grounds.

Just to show you we don't hold a grudge, we've invited members of
the U.S. Congress here. And you're welcome, and thank you
all for coming. (Laughter.)

I also am really looking forward to starting the Easter Egg
Roll. I want everybody to have a great time
here. It is our honor to host you all. And I'd like to end
by this simple -- this simple
statement: may God bless your families, and may God continue
to bless the United States of America. (Applause.)